Store Pick: 63.4%, 3 years old. Blue corn sucks as tortilla chip, but I believe we've found a decent use. The nose is my favorite part: Right from the start there is a clear butterscotch note with some "nail polish" heat in the background. Just a tid-bit of water helps tame the acetone BTW. There is a "funky, old t-shirt from Goodwill" note in the way background, behind the sweet butterscotch, lending the right amount of complexity and playfulness. On to the taste: Nice and melon sweet upfront , and in the middle, but toward the finish it veers into a spicy bitterness; like a walnut with store-bought-cayenne sprinkled on top. There is also a floral note death gripping on the roof of my mouth for about 2 minutes. The finish also has the most unique "cappuccino experience" which pops this up to a must buy whiskey. The juxtaposition of all the flavors seems rough; though appreciated ;) I'm glad I get to try Balcones, after my love affairs with scotch and cask strength bourbons initially dominated my "thoughts on malts." The perspective makes me really appreciate the creativeness in these pours. I'm a big fan. The price for me was also a nice boost; value is important to the score! I love that 'Merica is broadening the flavor horizons outside of bourbon... However, I just like this whiskey. 5.0 - go out and buy all of the stock you can find. 4.0 - must buy at least one bottle before you die. 3.0 - solid, must try at a bar, or mooch from a friend. 2.0 - didn't like it, you may. 1.0 - you may have the palate of my dog, and he licks his own ass.